Jammu: The Northern Railways has transported 753 metric tonnes of advance winter stocking (AWS) supplies for Indian Army units in Kashmir, marking a major shift in the way essential goods are delivered.
For the first time, the Army operated an exclusive freight train on the Jammu-Baramulla line via the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a move described as a breakthrough in winter logistics and civil-military cooperation, according to PRO Defence Jammu.
Until 2024, these critical winter supplies had to be moved by road through the challenging Himalayan terrain.
“The USBRL achieved a historic milestone with the successful run of the Indian Army’s first freight train from BD Bari to Anantnag on September 12–13,” the PRO said.
In a notable example of dual-use logistics, the return journey of the freight rake is carrying Kashmiri apples to markets across India.
“This initiative not only enhances the Army’s winter preparedness but also directly benefits local communities,” the PRO added. Farmers, often hit by road closures due to landslides and floods, will now have a reliable way to transport their produce, ensuring economic stability and livelihood security.
Officials said the freight train carrying perishable goods, including apples, arrived in Jammu this afternoon before proceeding to Delhi.
On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first cargo parcel train from Nowgam railway station to Delhi. The service will provide farmers with a cheaper and more reliable means to transport perishable goods like fruits to major markets across the country.
The train is expected to reach Delhi on Tuesday. Officials noted that prolonged closures of the national highway due to heavy rains in recent weeks had raised concerns that this year’s bumper apple harvest might not reach markets on time.
